Mangalore: The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT), Mangalore, successfully hosted a two-day workshop on “The Indian Startup and MSME Ecosystem in the Age of AI” on December 4th and 5th, 2024. The event, aimed at equipping participants with knowledge about the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem and the transformative role of artificial intelligence, was attended by around 150 students, faculty also Research Scholars and facutly from other institutes as well participated in the event.
The workshop commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Vasantha Kumar, Organizing Chair and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, emphasizing the importance of startups and MSMEs in India’s economy and the potential of AI in fostering innovation and sustainability.
The Inaugural Speech was delivered by Dr. S I Manjur Basha, Patron of the event and Principal of BIT, who spoke about the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry through such initiatives.
Prof. Gokuldas M, Assistant Professor and one of the Event Coordinators, introduced the Chief Guest, Mr. Chetan Kumar G S, Founder and CEO of Initium Incubation and Mentoring Consultancy and Mr. Santhosh V., Project Director at Skill & MSME,Initium Incubation and Mentoring Consultancy Bengaluru.
In his keynote address, Mr. Chetan Kumar shared his experiences as a national startup mentor and provided deep insights into navigating the challenges of the startup ecosystem in the AI age.
The workshop featured technical sessions by the speakers. Their presentations covered government support schemes, funding opportunities, and AI-driven business models, offering actionable insights for budding entrepreneurs.
A key highlight of the event was the Student Activity Session, where participants pitched innovative ideas with the potential to become startups. This session provided a platform for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills while receiving constructive feedback from the Chief Guest and Resource Person.
The event concluded with a Valedictory Note and Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sandeep Nambiar , Assistant Professor and Event Coordinator.
During the Validity Ceremony, the Chief Guest, Resource Person, were honored for their invaluable contributions. Certificates of participation were distributed to all attendees.
The workshop culminated with participants motivated to apply their learnings and contribute to India’s startup and MSME ecosystem.







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Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
